Felician University helped make the transition from high school to college a little smoother for more than 120 incoming students at New Student Orientation Day, Thursday, July 21, on the Rutherford campus.

Janel Owens, Interim VP of Student Affairs, welcomed students and set the tone for the start of their academic careers. Owens shared a list of experiences she wants students to have during their time at Felician, including finding a professor, mentor, or staff member with whom they feel connected. “You need to find someone who will give you tough love and push you to do better,” said Owens.

The students were divided into six groups and guided through the day by student orientation leaders, a diverse group of students trained to introduce new students to Felician. It was the first time on campus for Tyshaan Freeland, an incoming Gaming and Interactive Media major from Newark who was impressed, saying, “it is cozy here with a close-knit community, and I like that.” Nursing BSN major Taina Dale from Hoboken said she felt good vibes between everyone and “is confident it is going to be a good four years.” Biology major Taisha Floreal from Trenton was equally enthusiastic, saying, “it is exciting being around new people, getting to know my class, and the people I will see over the next few years.”

Over in Education Commons, Kathy Prieto, Director of Student Financial Services, urged students to check their Felician email and text messages frequently for updates and information throughout their time as students. Marybeth O’Flanagan, Associate Director of Registration and Records, told students the Felician HUB was where they register and drop classes, see their schedules, find grades, and request transcripts and enrollment verifications. “You have to become acclimated to the HUB and you need to communicate with Felician email, not personal email.

Transitioning to college is a significant life change, and at the Innovation Lab in Sr. Theresa Mary Martin Hall, the Felician Counseling Center offered new students some helpful coping strategies. Center Director, Sharon McNulty, told students to plan their time and prioritize tasks as they work on balancing academics with work, relationships, and having fun. She also encouraged them to try new things and meet new people. Emma Essex of Bayonne, an incoming Communications/Journalism major, initially felt a little nervous, but her anxiety faded as the day progressed, and she met fellow students.

The Center also told students they should not suffer in silence and that free and confidential help is available at the counseling center for students who need it. The Counseling Center’s Assistant Director, Mary Boyle, reminded students that the residence halls are “dry” and the entire campus is smoke and vape free.

Incoming students were encouraged to get involved on campus and informed about the many activities available to them at a presentation in the Alden Trust conference room in Sammartino Hall. New Student Orientation Day set an upbeat tone for students at the start of their college careers. Criminal justice major Roberto Felice from North Bergen hopes to one day join the FBI or Secret Service and said he loves the campus and is looking forward to “making new friends for the long run.”

Pre-psychiatric rehabilitation and psychology major William “Joey” Daniels comes to Felician from Tampa, Florida. Daniels is on the Men’s Baseball team and is excited to be a Felician student. “It definitely feels like something bigger than me, kind of like coming home because of the family atmosphere. The people are so nice, and I felt very welcome and wanted,” said Daniels.